Passage 2:
Title: "The Impact of Urbanization on Biodiversity"
Urbanisation, the rapid expansion of cities and urban areas, has become a dominant global trend. While it brings economic opportunities and improved living standards for many, it also poses significant challenges to biodiversity and the natural environment.
One of the primary impacts of urbanisation on biodiversity is habitat loss. As cities expand, natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands are often cleared for construction and infrastructure development. This leads to the displacement or loss of numerous plant and animal species that rely on these habitats for survival.
Furthermore, urban areas introduce a range of pollutants into the environment. Industrial activities, transportation emissions, and household waste contribute to air and water pollution, which can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems. Aquatic life in urban rivers and lakes, for instance, may be severely affected by the presence of contaminants.
The fragmentation of habitats is another consequence of urbanisation. Green spaces and natural areas within cities may become isolated from one another, inhibiting the movement of species and reducing genetic diversity. This can weaken the resilience of local ecosystems to environmental changes and increase the vulnerability of species to extinction.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanisation on biodiversity. Implementing green infrastructure, such as parks, gardens, and green roofs, can provide essential habitats for urban wildlife. Additionally, adopting sustainable urban planning practices, such as compact city designs and eco-friendly transportation systems, can help reduce the ecological footprint of cities.
In conclusion, while urbanisation offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant threats to biodiversity. Recognizing these challenges and implementing proactive measures to protect and restore natural habitats within urban areas is essential for maintaining the rich diversity of life on our planet.
Which of the following scenarios exhibits reasoning parallel to the passage?
Introducing stricter regulations on waste disposal in industrial zones reduces pollution levels and promotes environmental sustainability.
Enforcing guidelines for responsible fishing practices helps preserve marine ecosystems and supports the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Implementing energy-efficient building standards leads to reduced energy consumption and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Allowing unregulated logging in protected forests generates revenue for local communities and stimulates economic growth.
This answer choice demonstrates parallel reasoning by showing that introducing stricter regulations (in this case, on waste disposal) leads to reduced pollution levels and promotes sustainability, similar to how environmental policies in the passage aim to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanisation.